Spirit of innovation award and promotional products

ABSTRACT

An award includes a representation of at least a portion of a world globe and three human figures in yoga postures imposed on its surface. The three human figures include a figure in a sitting position with legs stretched out and arms raised; a figure supported on its shoulders, curled with its chin near its chest and its legs stretched back over its head, and a figure in a kneeling position with its head bent back. The three dimensional sculpture assembly of a globe and human figures is an iconic and enduring symbol of the “Manitowoc Spirit of Innovation,” It utilizes symbols “└σ⊃” or “└σ{dot over (⊃)}”=Manito in yoga postures representing the Native American origin of the word “Manitowoc” to demonstrate Manitowoc&#39;s belief in the value creation business model, such as “Inside Out”, “Co-Creation” and “Outside In”, along with a team spirit to provide a superior customer experience.

REFERENCE TO EARLIER FILED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of the filing date under 35 §119(e) of Provisional U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/641,658, filed May 2, 2012, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to various forms of an award that can be used to recognize an individual who, or team that, has contributed to an organization, particularly an award recognizing the innovations contributed by the individual or team. The symbols used in the award can also be used on promotional products to communicate the spirit of innovation to others within and outside of the organization.

Organizations benefit from giving recognition to those who have contributed to the mission of the organization. Within a company that manufactures products, it is desirable to recognize those who have contributed to the innovation of new products, processes and/or services, as well as the innovation of other aspects that enhance the business.

An award concept has been invented that can be utilized to recognize achievements by individuals and teams, particularly recognizing innovative contributions by the individual or team to an organization. The award concept can be embodied in different types of awards, such as a sculpture, a plaque and a medallion. The symbols utilized in the award can also be used in promotional products, such as inspirational display products and business promotion products, to convey the message of the importance of innovation to those within the organization and to those outside of the organization.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The award incorporates elements that are symbolic, and includes a representation of at least a portion of a world globe and a representation of three human figures imposed on the surface of the globe. As explained in more detail below, the world globe represents global interdependence and interconntectedness. The three human figures represent team work, and the preferred postures of the figures represent other important aspects of the organization's innovation process.

The award can he in any of several different formats, some of which are shown and described in detail herein. The award provides an enduring recognition of an individual's or team's contribution to the organization and will be treasured by the recipient and family members.

In another aspect, the invention includes promotional products comprising the same symbols used in the award: a representation of at least a portion of a world globe and a representation of three human figures imposed on the surface of the at least a portion of a world globe. The promotional products can be used within and outside of the organization to teach and remind individuals of the importance of innovation.

These and other advantages of the invention, as well as the invention itself, will be more easily understood in view of the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an award in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention in the form of a three dimensional sculpture on a base.

FIG. 2 is a representation of symbols for a Native American Indian word that are incorporated into the symbolism of the award of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a representation of three human figures in yoga postures that are incorporated into the symbolism of the award of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A is a line drawing of three human figures utilizing the concepts of the symbols in FIGS. 2 and 3.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a sculpture of three human figures utilizing the concepts of the symbols in FIGS. 2 and 3.

FIG. 5 is a perspective, view of a world globe with the three human figures sculpture of FIG. 4 incorporated in the award of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 6-11 are respectively front, rear, right and left elevational views, and top and bottom plan views, of the world globe with the three human figures sculpture of FIG. 5.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the base on which the world globe with the three human figures sculpture of FIG. 5 is mounted to make the award of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 13 and 14 are respectively front and left devotional views of the base of FIG. 12.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an award in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention in the form of a plaque.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an award in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention in the form of a medallion.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the medallion of FIG. 16 with a ribbon attached to the medallion.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention in the form of a crystal cube.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS AND THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will now be further described. In the following passages, different aspects of the invention are defined in more detail. Each aspect so defined may be combined with any other aspect or aspects unless clearly indicated to the contrary. In particular, any feature indicated as being preferred or advantageous may be combined with any other feature or features indicated as being preferred or advantageous.

The award of the present invention was created with the objective of providing a visual image to represent a core business value of The Manitowoc Company, and for use in inspiring and motivating an innovative technology and business culture throughout the company. The Manitowoc Company has a long history of manufacturing products, most recently in the crane and foodservice areas. The Manitowoc Company has a history, culture and legacy of creating value for its customers through innovation. The award and promotional products of the present invention help to further that culture and disseminate the ideas behind the innovative spirit of the company.

The award was developed to recognize individuals and teams for going beyond their duties, creating new value and doing unexpected things. The award has thus been described as The Manitowoc Spirit of Innovation Award. The award has three basic embodiments: a sculpture award, a medallion award and a plaque award. The awards may be designated to be given out by different individuals within the organization. For example, the sculpture and medallion awards may be given out by the CEO of the company, and the plaque award may be given out by the president of the company.

The award concepts can also be used in other forms, such as a crystal cube, an embodiment of which is described below.

As noted above, the award of the present invention includes a representation of at least a portion of a world globe and a representation of three human figures imposed on the surface of the globe. The basic design concept is an assembly of a hollow globe with three human figures in yoga postures mounted on a marble base. The representation of at least a portion of a world globe may include the entire world globe, as seen in sculpture award 10 shown in FIG. 1, or just portions of the world globe. The sculpture 10 has a world globe sculpture assembly 20 mounted on a base 30. The world globe sculpture assembly 20 includes a sculpture of a world globe 22, and a sculpture of three human FIG. 50, each described in more detail below. The base 30 may have a number of different levels, such as lower level 32 and upper level 34, each with a vertical surface on which information may be displayed. For example, a name plate 36 with the recipient's name and date of award may be included on the vertical face of the lower level 32, while a company logo may be displayed on name plate 38 on the vertical face of the upper level 34. Of course other base formats may be used, such as multiple bases.

The world globe assembly 20 presents both a theme and a design concept. The representation of the world globe, such as world globe 22 in world globe sculpture assembly 20, is preferably of an entire world globe that is hollow. The sculpture assembly of a hollow globe with three human figures is an iconic and enduring symbol of the “Manitowoc Spirit of innovation”, as explained below. The globe 22 represents the Manitowoc world, which spins by the power of diverse culture, spirit of innovation, inspiration and creativeness of employees, and its innovative products and services. The hollow adobe 22 thus represents Manitowoc's globalization, global interdependence, and interconnectedness, as well as the ethereal nature of the space between cultures and open spaces between continents.

The word “Manitowoc” itself has symbolism that is used in the award. The name is American Indian in origin. The symbols “└σ⊃”=Manito (symbol 40 in FIG. 2) or └σ{dot over (⊃)}=Manitou (symbol 42 in FIG. 2) mean “spirit” in the Ojibwa language of Algonquin groups of Native Americans. Hence “Manitowoc” means “spirit land”. The award uses the concept of the interconnection and balance of nature/life.

As noted, the award includes the three human figures, which are gender neutral, preferably in yoga postures. “Yoga” means to unite: The harmonious integration of the body, mind and spirit. The yoga postures chosen are those which also match the symbols in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 shows three human figures. The first, a figure 44 in a sitting position with legs stretched out and arms raised above its head, has a shape like the first character “└” in symbols 40 and 42 in FIG. 2. The second, a figure 46 supported on its shoulders, curled with its chin neat its chest and its legs stretched out back over its head, has a shape like the second character “σ” in symbols 40 and 42 in Figure 2. The third, a figure 48 in a kneeling position with its head bent back so as to be located above its feet, has a shape like the third character “⊃” or “{dot over (⊃)}” in symbols 40 and 42 in FIG. 2. The three human characters are thus preferably positioned so that their shapes match up with the order of the characters in the symbols 40 and 42 in FIG. 2, namely, the three human figures are arranged so that the feet of the first figure are adjacent to, and preferably touching, the feet of the third figure, the shoulders of the second figure are resting on the feet of the first figure and the shoulders of the third figure are resting on the feet of the second figure.

FIG. 3A shows how the yoga postures and the characters making up the name Manitowoc in the Ojibwa language are related in the award concept. The three human figures in yoga postures represent Manito, and demonstrate Manitowoc's belief in the value creation business model using the principles of “Inside Out”, “Co-Creation” and “Outside In,” along with team spirit to provide a superior customer experience. “Inside Out” represents shared vision, insights, technologies and experiences of the company; “Outside In” represents the use of external. ideas, experiences and technologies; “Co-Creation” represents value creation using Inside out and Outside in as well as an eco-system of partners. The three human figures also represent team work, explaining Manitowoc's value creation business model. FIG. 4 shows a sculpture 50 made from the three human figures arranged so as to have the symbolic meaning outlined in FIG. 3A. The three human figures are preferable touching each other in the representation_(;) which signifies the importance of close teamwork.

Along with the award of the present invention, a term has been coined that utilizes these same concepts: MANITOVATION™. The word “Manitovation”™ is a “portmanteau”, or combination of the words “Manitowoc” and “Innovation”. Manitowoc means “spirit” or “spirit of the land.” When combined, with “innovation” one gets “The Spirit of innovation.” It conveys in a single word the ideals of the “Manitowoc Spirit of Innovation,” and designates Manitowoc's unique value creation process, technology and business model by which innovation happens to provide an affordable and superior customer experience.

FIGS. 5-11 show the world globe sculpture assembly 20 taken from different angles. Depending on the angle, sometimes the three human figures sculpture 30 can be seen on the world globe 22. It is placed at the center between North and South America. FIGS. 12-14 show different views of the base 30.

The Manitowoc Spirit of Innovation Sculpture Award 10 is the highest honor The Manitowoc Company can confer to an employee for achievements related to business and technological innovation. The Manitowoc globe sculpture 22 is a customized design made of gold or silver plated pewter. It is mounted on a black marble base 30 with an engraved gold plated metal plate. The customized engraving includes the Manitowoc logo on one plate, and on a second plate, the name of the award (“The Manitowoc Spirit of innovation”), the recipient's name, the date of presentation and a quote, such as “For your outstanding contributions to Manitowoc's Business and Technological Innovation.”

In an example, the award 10 may be made with marble base 30 having a bottom level 32 with a square base 5 in.×5 in. and a height of 2 in. (125 mm×125 mm×50 mm). The bottom name plate 36 could be 120 mm×40 mm. The upper level 34 could have a square bases 3½ in.×3½ in., with a height of 2 in. (90 mm×90 mm×50 mm). The top name plate 38 could be 70 min×35 mm. The three human figures sculpture 50 could have a size of 15 mm×120 mm×80 mm, with each human figure having a size of about 15 mm×15 mm. The globe 22 could have a diameter of 6 in. (150 mm). The overall Manitowoc globe sculpture award 10 could have a weight of about 8 lbs. and a height of about 10 in.

The award of the present invention can also be embodied in a plaque 60, shown in FIG. 15. The plaque 60 includes a representation of a portion of the world globe 62 and three human figures 65 mounted on a display surface. The display surface may be inscribed with information like that used on award 10. A particular embodiment of the plaque 60 may be 10½ in.×13 in. The globe with three human figures is fixed above the text 66 evenly at the center. The display surface may be provided by a black color plate. The text may be gold color, and gold color borders may be provided. The plaque 60 may be made from solid raised panel cherry wood, with a Queen Ann finish.

The award may be embodied in a medallion 70, shown in FIG. 16. The medallion 70 also uses a representation of a portion of the world globe 72, providing the main body of the medallion. The three human figures 75 are positioned on the world globe. An inscription 76 may be made around the perimeter of the medallion, naming the award. The medallion may be produced with different finishes, such as a gold finish lo represent the highest level of achievement, a sliver finish to recognize a second level of achievement, and a bronze finish to represent still a different level of achievement. As also shown in FIG. 17, a ribbon 78 may be attached to the body of the medallion to hang the medallion around an award recipient's neck.

The symbolism used in the award may also he on other items not necessarily given out as awards, such as promotional products, including the crystal cube 80 as shown in FIG. 18. The crystal cube 80 may be used as paperweight or desk accessory, and may be made out of a beveled rectangle crystal block (also referred to as a cube, even though it is not equal lengths on all sides; for example, it may be 2 in.×2 in.×3.25 in. tall). The crystal cube 80 has an optically clear white color globe 82 with three human figures 85 of high definition 3-D images created by a subsurface laser engraving process. Thus the crystal cube 80 is a solid body of transparent material, with the representation of the world globe and representation of three human figures laser etched to appear in the interior of the body of transparent material. In the case of crystal cube 80 the entire world globe 82 is represented by the etching. The three human figures 85 are positioned on the world globe, placed at the center between North and South America. Inscriptions 86, such as the company logo “Manitowoc” and “Spirit of innovation” may be created by the subsurface laser engraving process.

The Spirit of Innovation symbolism can he used on other promotional products, such as wearing apparel, other inspirational display products, utility products and consumable products. Examples of wearing apparel on which the world globe and human figures can be included to communicate the Manitowoc Spirit of Innovation include t-shirts, jerseys and hats. Utility products on which the symbols can be used include mouse pads, tote bags and carry-on bags. Consumable products include such things as notepads and pens.

The world globe and human figures combination not only can be used for an award, but it has broader implications. It is a visualization of a core company value of The Manitowoc Company, demonstrating Manitowoc's belief in the value creation business model and using team spirit to provide a superior customer experience. By using the symbols in an award for employees, not only are employees inspired to innovate, but also the symbols in the award explain to employees how value is created for customers. The symbols also portray to the outside world that The Manitowoc Company is an innovative company, and the importance to Manitowoc of innovation. Further, the use of the symbols informs customers that Manitowoc has a set process for creating new things, and thus enhancing customer experience. The use of the symbols as a logo on promotional products portrays a key element of the mission of the company: creating value through innovation. The creation of the award is itself an example of the Manitowoc value creation process. A concept for the award was first conceived of, then researched and further developed into a specific design for a three dimensional sculpture; the design was then fabricated in a prototype form for testing and evaluation. Refinements were made to produce a beautiful piece of artwork that is itself an iconic and enduring symbol of the Manitowoc Spirit of Innovation. Manitowoc uses these same steps in its innovation value creation process for products made far its customers to yield a superior customer experience.

It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims. 

1. An award comprising a representation of at least a portion of a world globe and a representation of three human figures imposed on the surface of the at least a portion of a world globe.
 2. The award of claim 1 wherein the three human figures include i) a first figure in a sitting position with legs stretched out and arms raised above its head; ii) a second figure supported on its shoulders, curled with its chin near its chest and its legs stretched out back over its head, and iii) a third figure in a kneeling position with its head bent back so as to be located above its feet.
 3. The award of claim 2 wherein the three human figures are arranged so that the feet of the first figure are adjacent to the feet of the third figure, the shoulders of the second figure are resting on the feet of the first figure, and the shoulders of the third figure are resting on the feet of the second figure.
 4. The award of claim 1 wherein the award comprises a globe sculpture assembly with a sculpture of three human figures imposed on the globe, wherein the at least a portion of the world globe comprises an entire world globe that is hollow, and the award comprises the world globe sculpture assembly on at least one base.
 5. The award of claim 1 comprising a plaque with a portion of the world globe and three human figures mounted on a display surface.
 6. The award of claim 1 comprising a medallion, with a portion of the world globe providing the main body of the medallion, and a ribbon attached to the body of the medallion to hang the medallion around an award recipient's neck.
 7. A promotional product comprising a representation of at least a portion of a world globe and a representation of three human figures imposed on the surface of the at least a portion of a world globe.
 8. The promotional product of claim 7 wherein the product comprises a solid body of transparent material, and the representation of the world globe and representation of three human figures are laser etched to appear in the interior of the body of transparent material.
 9. The promotional product of claim 7 wherein the promotional product is selected from the group consisting of wearing apparel, inspirational display products, utility products and consumable products.
 10. The promotional product of claim 9 wherein the wearing apparel is selected from the group consisting of t-shirts, jerseys and hats.
 11. The promotional product of claim 9 wherein the inspirational display product comprises a paperweight.
 12. The promotional product of claim 9 wherein the utility product is selected from the group consisting of a mouse pad, a tote bag and a carry-on bag.
 13. The promotional product of claim 9 wherein the consumable product is selected from the group consisting of notepads and pens. 